Thought you’d heard every conceivable reason for a Detroit bailout? Think again. From an op-ed by retired General Wesley Clark:
Some economists question the wisdom of Washington’s intervening to help the Big Three, arguing that the automakers should pay the price for their own mistakes or that the market will correct itself. But we must act: aiding the American automobile industry is not only an economic imperative, but also a national security imperative.
So once again, the specter of national security raises its ugly head for the justification of a questionable government action. Clark goes on to cite the success of the Humvee, that four-wheeled star of the Gulf War, as an example of how GM’s innovation helps drive national security. But a close look at some examples closer in time tells a very different story. Nearly all of the designs for the latest generation of armored vehicles are taken from original plans by overseas companies. General Clark is right that American civilian auto production didn’t have to divert much capacity to meet the need for new MRAPs - the sad truth is, the Big Three could have done so even if they wanted to, because their product lines are too clunky and not agile enough to meet that kind of short-range demand.
The hard truth of the matter is that truly innovative ideas which could be “game-changers” on the battlefield have been AWOL from Detroit’s methods of operation for some time now. Clark goes on in his op-ed to harp on the need for new hybrid powerplants and electrical generation capability in the next generation of military vehicles, while conveniently ignoring the fact that nearly all of the innovative work in this field right now is being done outside of the United States. The general seems to believe that a focused military investment in this area will bring a huge leap forward - but it’s been decades since we’ve seen a major leap forward in technology that was led by military investment. These days, the reverse is usually true - civilian technology bounds forward while military capabilities struggle to keep up. The average avionics suite in military aircraft these days is state of the art - for 1995-2000. Army vehicles are now getting the ability to see moving maps and send text messages to one another in real time - about four years after the average suburbanite could do it.
What Clark’s rhetoric is really about is Joe Biden’s infamous three-letter word: J-O-B-S. It’s an open secret that every year, the defense budget becomes less about getting the most capable equipment into servicemembers’ hands, and more about protecting the job base in as many congressional districts as possible. The viability of a defense program is no longer determined by its ability to produce a product on time and in budget, but by how many states it can be spread across to ensure viability. The hysteria over the recent award (later revoked) of the Air Force’s new tanker to EADS Aerospace is a great case in point - while some of the arguments over confusion on requirements and design was well-founded, other arguments were nakedly protectionist in design and had nothing to do with the capabilities of the aircraft itself...
U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards says he’s honored to have been considered for Veteran Affairs secretary but he plans to stay in Congress.
The Waco Democrat said Sunday he told President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team that he’ll continue representing his Texas district, where voters this month re-elected him to a 10th term.
“While it is an honor to have been considered for the position of U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, I believe I can make the most difference for veterans, our district and country by continuing to serve in Congress,” Edwards said in a news release.
Edwards is chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Committee.
“With our nation at war, this is a critical time for our veterans, and I want to remain in a position to push for budgets in Congress that truly honor their service to country,” he said.
He was also on Obama’s short list of potential running mates during the presidential campaign this summer.
Henry VIII's flagship Mary Rose was sunk by a French cannonball and this was covered up by political spin, according to a new academic study.
Until now it was believed a combination of wind and tide pressed Mary Rose over, causing her gun ports to flood in a 16th Century battle in the Solent.
But University of Portsmouth geographer Dominic Fontana said the truth was withheld to maintain the Navy's image.
Mary Rose sank with the loss of more than 400 lives on 19 July 1545.
By claiming the ship was toppled by wind and an incompetent crew, the Navy's supremacy was maintained, Henry VIII's pride remained intact and the French were unable to claim victory, said Dr Fontana.
"The Mary Rose was holed by French gunfire received from an advance party of fast, oar-powered galleys which were heavily armed," he said.
"She would have quickly taken quite a quantity of water into her hull before she manoeuvred to bring a broadside of guns to bear on the attacking French galleys."
That fateful manoeuvre was her undoing he said because the sudden movement of water in the hold caused her to capsize....
...Dr Fontana said: "Mary Rose was hit by French gunfire and despite valiant efforts being made by her crew she capsized just one mile from Southsea Castle from where King Henry VIII was watching.
"Those onshore would not have known anything about flooding in the hull caused by a French hit on the ship and it would have appeared as though she had been caught by a freak gust of wind and blown over."
Mary Rose sank after 34 years of service, fighting in two wars against the French and one against the Spanish.
Quote by Mondobubba:
Hello everbody!I will now say see you later. I need to get organized and on the road. It is cold in eastern North Carolina this morning!
Quote by Scoopster:
Hey what'd y'all think of Arianna Huffington's gig subbing for Rachel last night?
To be honest.. I had to turn it off after the first five minutes. I don't usually mind her voice but it sounded so flat and strange last night. I think she was trying to hard.
Quote by Scoopster:
Urrrghgh.. morning guys :coffee:
I just had a chat with my boss about the commute.. Looks like I'm probably gonna be late for at least the rest of the week because they have the highway torn up for repaving in the city and THE IDIOTS IN THIS DAMN STATE DON'T KNOW HOW TO DRIVE! :rage:
In other news.. I think I'm gonna get one of those iPod Touch thingies to replace my half-functional Chinese knockoff discman. I just wish it had a FM tuner in it!
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Scoopster:
Urrrghgh.. morning guys :coffee:
I just had a chat with my boss about the commute.. Looks like I'm probably gonna be late for at least the rest of the week because they have the highway torn up for repaving in the city and THE IDIOTS IN THIS DAMN STATE DON'T KNOW HOW TO DRIVE! :rage:
In other news.. I think I'm gonna get one of those iPod Touch thingies to replace my half-functional Chinese knockoff discman. I just wish it had a FM tuner in it!
If you just looking for a way to play an ipod through the car radio, you can - there's a car thing you can get at Target.
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Scoopster:
Urrrghgh.. morning guys :coffee:
I just had a chat with my boss about the commute.. Looks like I'm probably gonna be late for at least the rest of the week because they have the highway torn up for repaving in the city and THE IDIOTS IN THIS DAMN STATE DON'T KNOW HOW TO DRIVE! :rage:
In other news.. I think I'm gonna get one of those iPod Touch thingies to replace my half-functional Chinese knockoff discman. I just wish it had a FM tuner in it!
If you just looking for a way to play an ipod through the car radio, you can - there's a car thing you can get at Target.
Nah I'm looking for a way to get FM radio on an iPod.. I saw an addon tuner unit someplace but I don't know if it's compatible with the iPod Touch.
Quote by TriSec:
[map geek]
OK, so I check on this "transit" thingy Momma is all about. A google search of "New York Transit" leads me to the NYC Subway.
Checking the DOT, there's nothing about a "transit" anywhere. I was finally able to find a state highway map through the "INY" website.
Nothing called the "Transit" there. Lockport is up state route 78, no interstate or toll road anywhere near it. The New York Thruway is part of Interstate 90, with a branch heading up I-190 towards Niagara Falls, but peters out far from Lockport.
I dunno...unless it's a regional name of some sort...no such road.
[/map geek]
Quote by Raine:
Heya Shane-O! How have you been?
Quote by Shane-O:Quote by Raine:
Heya Shane-O! How have you been?
GREAT! -- how bout you? I'm taking a "snow day" -- thus, bi-blogging.
Sorry I've been so absent :(
Quote by Raine:How much snow do you have?Quote by Shane-O:Quote by Raine:
Heya Shane-O! How have you been?
GREAT! -- how bout you? I'm taking a "snow day" -- thus, bi-blogging.
Sorry I've been so absent :(
Quote by Shane-O:
GREAT! -- how bout you? I'm taking a "snow day" -- thus, bi-blogging.
Sorry I've been so absent :(
Quote by livingonli:
Since this is my weekend, I believe I have to go get a new winter jacket since my last one fell apart. Why don't they build anything to last anymore?
Quote by TriSec:Quote by livingonli:
Since this is my weekend, I believe I have to go get a new winter jacket since my last one fell apart. Why don't they build anything to last anymore?
Planned Obsolescence.
How can you be a repeat customer if something you buy lasts more than 6 months?
Quote by Raine:
4 Million in DC for inaugeration?![]()
Mental note... bring extra food....
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
4 Million in DC for inaugeration?![]()
Mental note... bring extra food....
wear comfortable shoes - there's a lot of standing.
Quote by Raine:
4 Million in DC for inaugeration?![]()
Mental note... bring extra food....
Quote by Raine:
4 Million in DC for inaugeration?![]()
Mental note... bring extra food....
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Raine:
4 Million in DC for inaugeration?![]()
Mental note... bring extra food....
:thud:
Geez, will we even be able to get to the Metro?
Greenbelt has 3,500 parking spots...but I suppose we could see if the hotel is on a bus route or get a cab in a pinch...
Quote by Raine:Quote by TriSec:Quote by Raine:
4 Million in DC for inaugeration?![]()
Mental note... bring extra food....
:thud:
Geez, will we even be able to get to the Metro?
Greenbelt has 3,500 parking spots...but I suppose we could see if the hotel is on a bus route or get a cab in a pinch...
I think we'll be alright getting there. The hotel is about a mile away... we can walk that. Plus it's the last (or first, going tnto DC) stop on the line, so we should be able to get a seat.
Quote by livingonli:
Are we still going to have a spring meet-up for those of us who are too intimated by the crowds and can't get affordable lodging for the inaugural?
Quote by wickedpam:
Vienna Metro right? It is the last stop on that line right now seating shouldn't be a prob going in. People who work in DC will probably be able to work from home or have the day off.
Its the coming out of DC that's going to be a major jam up. Smithosian stop will be the most popular along with National Archive they are right near and on the Mall.
I'm still trying to figure out what to do that day - it might just be too pack for me to deal with people - might have to see if Steph and company plans something for that night for the listerners that I can get too. Or met up with someone for din or ---- I don't know right now..... arrgghhhh overload!!!!
Quote by wickedpam:
wow - a Camay reference - do they even make Camay any more?
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by livingonli:
Are we still going to have a spring meet-up for those of us who are too intimated by the crowds and can't get affordable lodging for the inaugural?
I think it's going to depend on finances for everyone and how many will be able to make it in the spring. There's always a chance it gets moved to summer or fall. I think flexibilty is going to be a key for any and all meet ups.
4F = hearding cats :D
Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:
Vienna Metro right? It is the last stop on that line right now seating shouldn't be a prob going in. People who work in DC will probably be able to work from home or have the day off.
Its the coming out of DC that's going to be a major jam up. Smithosian stop will be the most popular along with National Archive they are right near and on the Mall.
I'm still trying to figure out what to do that day - it might just be too pack for me to deal with people - might have to see if Steph and company plans something for that night for the listerners that I can get too. Or met up with someone for din or ---- I don't know right now..... arrgghhhh overload!!!!
I am inclined to stay in the city and party until the crowds thin out on the metro.
Quote by wickedpam:
With 4 mil it's still going to be crowded, I would peel a little away from the main tourist areas, not sure if Georgetown or Adams Morgan would be advisable either. DC is such a small city it's hard to get away from crowds like that...
Quote by Random:
I do like this show.
Quote by Raine:The fellow filling on for Thom?Quote by Random:
I do like this show.
He is pretty good.
Quote by Scoopster:
Hey what'd y'all think of Arianna Huffington's gig subbing for Rachel last night?
To be honest.. I had to turn it off after the first five minutes. I don't usually mind her voice but it sounded so flat and strange last night. I think she was trying too hard.
Quote by Random:Quote by Raine:The fellow filling on for Thom?Quote by Random:
I do like this show.
He is pretty good.
Hm..No...I'm watching LIFE.
Quote by Raine:I love that show!Quote by Random:Quote by Raine:The fellow filling on for Thom?Quote by Random:
I do like this show.
He is pretty good.
Hm..No...I'm watching LIFE.
Quote by m-hadley:
Heya 4Fers,
Here's some news - my new grrrl friend and I will be driving out to DC for the Inauguration, we will be staying with a former student of mine who now works for the Native American Rights Fund DC Office - whoo hooo. I am so excited. We will leave Tulsa on Saturday morning (Jan. 17th) drive all day, get a motel room (ha cha cha :P) then arrive in DC on Sunday evening. We'll spend Monday recuperating from the drive and wake up ready to welcome Barack and family to the White House on Tuesday. I've written to my Repub Congressman Sullivan (who I hope doesn't hold all the nasty e-mails I've sent him over the years against me) to request tickets. Won't know about those until after ChristmahannakwanisicaI just couldn't NOT be there for this moment in History. We have each others' cell phone numbers, so I am sure that we will hook one way or tother - I am so very excited ('scuse me, I seem to be repeating myself...), But have I mentioned how excited I am???
DC or bust!!! :dance:
Cheers,
mfaye& :peace:
Quote by BobR:
Excellent! We are going to get into town the night before (1/19), possibly mid-afternoon, if you want to hook up for dinner or drinks...
Quote by BobR:Quote by m-hadley:
Heya 4Fers,
Here's some news - my new grrrl friend and I will be driving out to DC for the Inauguration, we will be staying with a former student of mine who now works for the Native American Rights Fund DC Office - whoo hooo. I am so excited. We will leave Tulsa on Saturday morning (Jan. 17th) drive all day, get a motel room (ha cha cha :P) then arrive in DC on Sunday evening. We'll spend Monday recuperating from the drive and wake up ready to welcome Barack and family to the White House on Tuesday. I've written to my Repub Congressman Sullivan (who I hope doesn't hold all the nasty e-mails I've sent him over the years against me) to request tickets. Won't know about those until after ChristmahannakwanisicaI just couldn't NOT be there for this moment in History. We have each others' cell phone numbers, so I am sure that we will hook one way or tother - I am so very excited ('scuse me, I seem to be repeating myself...), But have I mentioned how excited I am???
DC or bust!!! :dance:
Cheers,
mfaye& :peace:
Excellent! We are going to get into town the night before (1/19), possibly mid-afternoon, if you want to hook up for dinner or drinks...
Quote by Scoopster:
Ok I'm home.. How's it goin?
Dick Cheney & Alberto Gonzales got indicted! (NOT A JOKE)
Quote by Scoopster:
Ok I'm home.. How's it goin?
Dick Cheney & Alberto Gonzales got indicted! (NOT A JOKE)
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Bleah.
Today was layoff day at work, so we were all sorta keeping in the shadows. We lost 3 in our group, it was supposed to be 5% worldwide, so we gave up a bit more than our 5%.
So I'm trying to unwind, my chest is tight, but I'm calming down a bit with the kitties around purring up a storm. Smart little devils.
Quote by Raine:
I agree with you on the Flow thing Izzy. Some of the best times I have had in my life were the result of flowing.
Back from Lunch ...love chinese food on cold days.
Quote by Scoopster:
Ok I'm home.. How's it goin?
Dick Cheney & Alberto Gonzales got indicted! (NOT A JOKE)
Quote by Raine:Quote by trojanrabbit:
Bleah.
Today was layoff day at work, so we were all sorta keeping in the shadows. We lost 3 in our group, it was supposed to be 5% worldwide, so we gave up a bit more than our 5%.
So I'm trying to unwind, my chest is tight, but I'm calming down a bit with the kitties around purring up a storm. Smart little devils.![]()
Sorry to hear it rabbit. :::Pours nice glass of Merlot::: Passes it over to trojanrabbit.
On the house.
Quote by Raine:
Mark Begach has won ALASKA!!!
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Mark Begach has won ALASKA!!!
Its official n stuff? Stevens conceded? Sweet!
Quote by IzzyBitz:Quote by Scoopster:
Ok I'm home.. How's it goin?
Dick Cheney & Alberto Gonzales got indicted! (NOT A JOKE)
Cub Reporter Izzy teased this story earlier. I wonder if Bush will give him one of those pre-emptive pardons before he leaves office. God, I can't wait to see that helicopter leave the White House on inauguration day.
Quote by livingonli:
Oh, and in case anyone didn't see the e-mail Momma will be on Larry King tonight.
Quote by Raine:HE said he was not going to ask *ush for a pardon.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Mark Begach has won ALASKA!!!
Its official n stuff? Stevens conceded? Sweet!
Right now Begich is up by about 4K votes and there are less than 2300 Overseas ballots yet to be counted, he cannot overcome the lead. It official. The lead is more than 1/2%, meaning there is no automatic recount.
Quote by Random:
....They have ruined a video game...HOW DARE THEY!
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Random:
....They have ruined a video game...HOW DARE THEY!
What game? Who?
Quote by trojanrabbit:Quote by livingonli:
Oh, and in case anyone didn't see the e-mail Momma will be on Larry King tonight.
Well, either she was on in the first 15 minutes that I missed, or she wasn't on.
Quote by Random:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Random:
....They have ruined a video game...HOW DARE THEY!
What game? Who?
TV show, Life, has Prince of Persia: The Two thrones. And I'm watching, and they bastardize the death screen, AND they make it seem like it has levels. Jesus. How could they.
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Random:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Random:
....They have ruined a video game...HOW DARE THEY!
What game? Who?
TV show, Life, has Prince of Persia: The Two thrones. And I'm watching, and they bastardize the death screen, AND they make it seem like it has levels. Jesus. How could they.
Well that is just wrong...
Quote by Random:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Random:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Random:
....They have ruined a video game...HOW DARE THEY!
What game? Who?
TV show, Life, has Prince of Persia: The Two thrones. And I'm watching, and they bastardize the death screen, AND they make it seem like it has levels. Jesus. How could they.
Well that is just wrong...
I have a feeling you are not taking me seriously.
Quote by Random:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Random:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Random:
....They have ruined a video game...HOW DARE THEY!
What game? Who?
TV show, Life, has Prince of Persia: The Two thrones. And I'm watching, and they bastardize the death screen, AND they make it seem like it has levels. Jesus. How could they.
Well that is just wrong...
I have a feeling you are not taking me seriously.